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Checkout Flow Guide

This guide walks you through the Bookcicle checkout process, including cart review, applying coupons, payment, and uploading your manuscript for processing.

Overview​

Bookcicle's checkout is a simple, three-step process:

  1. Account & Coupon: Enter your name, email, and (optionally) a coupon code.
  2. Payment: Securely pay for your order using Stripe.
  3. Upload & Validate: Upload your manuscript and let Bookcicle validate it before processing.

Whether you're a guest or a registered user, the flow is designed to be smooth and clear. Below, we break down each step and what to expect.

1. Account & Coupon​

  • Name & Email: Enter your details. If you're logged in, these fields are pre-filled and locked.
  • Coupon Code: Enter a coupon if you have one. Click Apply to validate it. You'll see a success or error message.
  • Continue to Payment: Once your cart is ready, click to proceed. If your cart is empty, you'll be prompted to add items.

Tip:

  • If you're checking out as a guest, you can log in or sign up for a faster experience.

2. Payment​

  • Payment Form: Bookcicle uses Stripe for secure payments. Enter your card details and complete the payment.
  • Error Handling: Any issues (e.g., payment declined) are shown clearly so you can try again.
  • Progress: Once payment succeeds, you'll move to the upload step.

3. Upload & Validate Document​

  • Upload: Drag and drop your manuscript file, or click to select it. Supported formats include .docx, .epub, .odt, .md, and .html.
  • Options:
    • Keep original document styles: Check this if you want to preserve your manuscript's formatting. Unchecked means Bookcicle will apply a clean house template.
    • Content is unsafe: If your manuscript contains mature or sensitive content, mark this box. Learn more about our content safety policies.
  • Validation: After uploading, Bookcicle will validate your document. You'll see a progress bar and status messages (e.g., "Uploading Document…", "Checking Length…").
  • Warnings & Errors: If there are issues (like missing headings or large sections), you'll get clear warnings and suggestions for improvement. Errors will be shown if the upload fails.
  • Success: Once validation succeeds, your task is queued and you'll receive email updates.

Guest Users:

  • After uploading, you'll be prompted to create a password to track your job and access results.

Order Summary​

  • Bundles: If your cart contains bundles, included items (like editorial or translation) are grouped and shown with details.
  • Coupons: Applied discounts are clearly shown in the summary.
  • Totals: Subtotal, discounts, and final total are broken down for transparency.
  • Clear Cart: You can clear your cart at any time before payment.

Invite-Only Mode​

If Bookcicle is in invite-only mode, you'll be prompted to enter an invite code before proceeding with checkout. A banner will appear with instructions.

Validation Progress Details​

  • Progress Bar: Shows real-time status as your document is uploaded and checked.
  • Status Messages: Steps like "Uploading Document…", "Checking Length…", and "Validating Structure…" are displayed.
  • Warnings: Helpful explanations are provided for common issues, such as missing headings or large sections.
  • Completion: On success, you'll see a confirmation and next steps.

Troubleshooting​

  • Coupon Not Working? Double-check the code and try again. If issues persist, contact support.
  • Upload Fails? Ensure your file is in a supported format and under any size limits. Review any error messages for guidance.
  • Payment Issues? Make sure your card details are correct. If problems continue, try a different card or contact your bank.

FAQ​

Can I check out as a guest? Yes! You can complete checkout without an account. After uploading your document, you'll have the option to set a password and create an account to track your order.

What file types are supported?

  • .docx (Word)
  • .epub
  • .odt (OpenDocument)
  • .md (Markdown)
  • .html

How do I apply a coupon? Enter your coupon code in the Account step and click Apply. You'll see a confirmation if it's valid.

What happens after I upload my document? Bookcicle will validate your manuscript and queue your task. You'll receive email updates and can track progress in your account.

For more help, visit our Help Center or contact support.